How to Make an Abstract Watercolor Painting

Are you looking to add a splash of color to your walls that will leave guests in awe? Watercolor paintings are the perfect way to brighten up any space and give it a unique, artsy touch. While creating an abstract watercolor painting may seem daunting at first, it’s actually quite easy with a few simple tips and tricks.

Firstly, let’s talk about the materials you’ll need. You’ll require watercolor paints, brushes, paper (preferably heavy weight), and water. The beauty of watercolors is their unpredictability – they tend to have a mind of their own! This can be both exciting and frustrating for beginners. But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through the process step-by-step.

In this article, I’ll be sharing my top tips on how to make an abstract watercolor painting that will have your guests marveling at your artistic abilities. We’ll cover everything from choosing colors that complement each other to techniques for blending and layering paint. So grab your supplies and let’s get started!

Materials needed to make an abstract watercolor painting

Watercolor painting is a beautiful form of art that can create stunning pieces with just a few simple materials. Here are the necessary materials needed to make an abstract watercolor painting:

Watercolor paper:

The first item you need is a good quality watercolor paper. The paper should be thick and absorbent enough to hold the paint without buckling or tearing. You can choose from various brands, such as Arches, Strathmore, or Fabriano.

Watercolors:

Next, you need to choose your watercolors. Watercolors come in tubes or pans and have different grades of pigments ranging from student grade to artist-grade paints. It’s best to invest in artist-grade paints if you want high-quality results.

Paintbrushes:

You’ll also need paintbrushes for applying the paint onto the paper. Get a variety of brushes with different sizes and shapes, including flat, round, and pointed tips.

Palette:

A palette is necessary for mixing your colors together. You can use any surface as your palette, but it’s better to get one made specifically for watercolors.

Tape and board:

Lastly, you may need masking tape and a board to hold your paper while painting. Masking tape helps keep the edges of your paper clean and straight during the painting process.

Choosing colors for an abstract watercolor painting

When creating an abstract watercolor painting, choosing colors can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Here are some tips on how to select colors:

Select a color scheme:

Decide on a color scheme before starting your project. This will help guide you in selecting colors that work well together and create harmony in your painting. You can choose from monochromatic, complementary, analogous, or triadic color schemes.

Experiment with color mixing:

You can also mix colors to create unique shades that you won’t find in a tube or pan. Experiment with mixing different colors to see what combinations work well together and how they interact on the paper.

Consider the mood and emotion:

Colors can evoke different emotions and moods. Consider the feeling you want to convey in your abstract watercolor painting and choose colors that match that sentiment. For example, warm colors like reds and yellows can create a sense of energy and excitement, while cool colors like blues and greens can create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Techniques for creating interesting textures in an abstract watercolor painting

Textures add depth and dimension to an abstract watercolor painting. Here are some techniques you can use to create interesting textures:

Salt technique:

The salt technique involves sprinkling salt onto wet paint to create a granulated effect. The salt absorbs the moisture from the paint, leaving behind a unique texture.

Bleeding technique:

The bleeding technique involves applying one color of paint onto wet paper before adding another color next to it. The two colors will bleed into each other, creating a soft transition between them.

Dry-brush technique:

The dry-brush technique involves using a mostly dry brush with minimal paint on it to add texture to your painting. This creates a scratchy effect that can be used for foliage or hair.

Splattering:

Splattering is another fun way to create texture in your abstract watercolor painting. Simply dip your brush into the paint and flick it across the paper for an organic splatter pattern.

Creating a composition for an abstract watercolor painting

The composition is the arrangement of elements in your painting. Here are some tips on creating a composition for an abstract watercolor painting:

Start with a sketch:

Before diving into your painting, make a rough sketch of the composition. Consider the placement of objects and how they interact with each other.

Play with negative space:

Negative space is the area around and between objects in your painting. Use negative space to create interesting shapes that add depth to your painting.

Balance your composition:

Balance is crucial to creating a visually pleasing composition. Use color, shape, and texture to balance out the elements in your painting.

Use the rule of thirds:

The rule of thirds is a guide that suggests dividing your canvas into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place important elements at intersections for a balanced composition.

The process of layering colors in an abstract watercolor painting

Layering colors is key to creating depth and dimension in an abstract watercolor painting. Here’s how to layer colors:

Start with light colors:

Begin by applying light colors onto dry paper. Apply multiple layers until you achieve the desired saturation.

Add darker hues gradually:

After adding light colors, add darker hues gradually by layering them over the lighter colors. You can do this while the previous color is still wet or after it has dried.

Use glazing techniques:

Glazing involves applying thin layers of transparent paint over previously painted areas. This technique creates depth and luminosity in your painting.

Create contrast:

Create contrast by layering complementary or opposite colors next to each other. This creates visual interest and makes certain areas pop.

Adding depth and dimension to your abstract watercolor painting

Depth and dimension make an abstract watercolor painting come to life. Here’s how to add depth and dimension:

Create shadows:

Shadows add depth to your painting by creating the illusion of space. Use darker hues or a glaze technique to create shadows.

Add highlights:

Highlights are areas where light is reflected off the surface. Use a lighter hue or white paint to create highlights, making certain areas stand out.

Use perspective:

Perspective is the technique of showing depth by making objects seem closer or farther away. Use linear perspective with converging lines or aerial perspective with fading colors.

Finishing touches to complete an abstract watercolor painting

The finishing touches are crucial in bringing your abstract watercolor painting together. Here’s what you can do:

Add details:

Add details such as texture, patterns, or small elements that enhance your painting.

Frame your artwork:

Framing your artwork adds a finished look and protects it from damage. Choose a frame that complements your artwork and enhances its beauty.

Add a signature:

Sign your artwork with a signature that represents you as an artist.

Tips and tricks for beginners making an abstract watercolor painting

Here are some tips and tricks for beginners who want to try making an abstract watercolor painting:

Experiment with techniques:

Try different techniques, such as salt, bleeding, and dry-brush, to see what works best for you.

Start with simple shapes:

Begin with simple shapes like circles, triangles, or squares before moving onto more complex compositions.

Use reference images:

Use reference images for inspiration and guidance when creating compositions.

Practice, practice, practice:

The more you paint, the better you’ll become. Practice regularly to improve your skills and find your own style.

In conclusion, creating an abstract watercolor painting requires a good understanding of materials, color theory, techniques for texture creation and composition. Following these tips and tricks will help beginners create beautiful artwork while becoming proficient in their craft.

In conclusion, creating an abstract watercolor painting requires creativity, patience, and practice. By following the basic steps and experimenting with different techniques, anyone can create a beautiful and unique piece of art.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Make an Abstract Watercolor Painting

How do you start an abstract watercolor?
To create a watercolor painting, you can either start by drawing your subject with a waterproof pen or using another medium that won’t be affected by water, and then adding colorful washes around it to create an abstract background. Alternatively, you can begin by creating colorful washes and then use the shapes that naturally form as inspiration for your subject.

Why abstract painting is difficult?
Abstract art lacks identifiable objects, which can leave some individuals feeling disoriented or even intimidated since there is no tangible reference point for them to grasp onto. This is especially true for those who are unaccustomed to creating their own interpretations of what they see in front of them.

What is a good way to start an abstract?
The opening of an abstract should contain a concise and accurate overview of the problem or topic being studied, followed by a presentation of the research methodology and design, the primary discoveries, and the conclusions reached.

Is it OK to roll watercolor paintings?
Storing watercolor paintings rolled up is a common and significant error that can lead to humidity build-up and damage to the artwork over time. It is advisable to store paintings flat and horizontally to avoid any harm.

What do you paint first in watercolor?
When using watercolor, it’s crucial to begin by applying the lighter colors before moving on to the darker ones. It’s essential to be patient and not rush the process. The reason for starting with light colors is that once dark colors are applied, it’s difficult to reverse the effect.

What is the secret to watercolor painting?
When using watercolors, there is no need to vigorously rub or stroke the paper. Instead, the paint will naturally flow into the damp areas of the paper. It is important to note that watercolor only spreads where the paper is wet, while dry areas of the paper will not allow the paint to escape. This is a helpful trick to remember to create a desired effect in the artwork.